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Multiple Choice

Grignard reaction with CO2 followed by acid workup yields what?

Grignard reagents react with CO2 as electrophiles. The carbon of CO2 is attacked by the RMgX, giving a magnesium carboxylate (R–COO–MgX). When you then do an acid workup, this intermediate is protonated to form the carboxylic acid (R–COOH). The R group from the Grignard ends up attached to the carboxyl carbon, so the product is a carboxylic acid with the same R as in the starting Grignard. This pathway explains why a carboxylic acid, not a primary alcohol, ether, or alkane, is produced under these conditions.

Grignard reagents react with CO2 as electrophiles. The carbon of CO2 is attacked by the RMgX, giving a magnesium carboxylate (R–COO–MgX). When you then do an acid workup, this intermediate is protonated to form the carboxylic acid (R–COOH). The R group from the Grignard ends up attached to the carboxyl carbon, so the product is a carboxylic acid with the same R as in the starting Grignard. This pathway explains why a carboxylic acid, not a primary alcohol, ether, or alkane, is produced under these conditions.